MARIETTA, OH--Organizers of the American Birding Expo have attracted an international array of exhibitors and products for the event, which will be held Sept. 16-18 in Columbus.

"We've drawn exhibitors from at least 20 different countries, including Australia, South Africa, Costa Rica, Portugal and Argentina," said Wendy Clark, event organizer. "We have more than 80 booths reserved already, and we're expecting to surpass 100 exhibitors."

Clark said exhibitors at the Expo try to show off the best birding destinations and gear, including binoculars and optics, to the American birding community. More than 2,500 bird watchers attended the first Expo, held last year. The event is free and open to the public.

"We do ask for a $5 donation at the door to support our conservation fund," Clark said. Last year's Expo contributed more than $13,000 to conservation activities, she said. One such program is the Young Urban Naturalists, which engages Columbus youth in nature-based activities.

Eight international manufacturers of birding optics, more than 20 tour companies, dozens of destinations and a variety of gear providers and artists have registered to date for the 2016 Expo. They will be set up to show off their products 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16, 17 and 18. Additional special programs will be offered throughout each day.

"This event offers anyone interested in birds the chance to see some of the finest birding-related products in the world," said Expo founder Bill Thompson, III. "It's everything a birder needs at one event."

The American Birding Expo is organized and hosted by Bird Watcher's Digest and co-hosted by the American Birding Association, Columbus/Franklin County Metro Parks, and the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. It will be held at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, 505 Whittier St., Columbus. More information is available at www.AmericanBirdingExpo.com
-30-

For more information:
Emily Jones
740-373-5285
614-678-1221 (cell)